Caseworker Guidance
Prove your English language abilities with a secure English language test (SELT)
gov.uk change note: Updated the lists of approved test centres inside and outside the UK.
Headline
The approved test centre lists for secure English language tests (SELTs) have been updated, with file sizes changing for downloadable lists and minor formatting improvements throughout the document.
Changes in detail
-
Throughout the document — Multiple instances of formatting changes where bullet points were converted from plain text list items to proper markdown bullet points using "-" symbols (approximately 40+ instances across all sections listing visa routes, test providers, requirements, and identification documents).
-
Approved test centres section — File size for UK test centres list changed from "ODS, 7.38 KB" to "ODS, 7.37 KB".
-
Approved test centres section — File size for overseas test centres list changed from "ODS, 96.4 KB" to "ODS, 96.3 KB".
Practical implications
The changes to file sizes for the approved test centre lists suggest the underlying lists have been updated, which aligns with the official change note about updating approved test centres inside and outside the UK. Practitioners should:
- Download the latest versions of the test centre lists to ensure clients book tests at currently approved locations
- Verify that any previously identified test centres are still on the approved lists before advising clients
- Check that clients haven't already booked tests at centres that may have been removed from the approved lists
The formatting changes improve document readability but do not affect legal requirements or procedures.
Administrative changes
Extensive formatting improvements converting plain text lists to proper bullet point formatting throughout the document, plus minor spacing adjustments. These changes improve readability but do not alter any substantive requirements, eligibility criteria, or procedures.
Diff
@@ -1,30 +1,33 @@ ## Applications that require an English language test + There are 2 types of test as different immigration routes require different levels of English language ability. The test you will need to take depends on what you are applying for. + For the following application routes, you will need to take a test that assesses your reading, writing, speaking and listening abilities: -Health and Care Worker - -High Potential Individual - -Innovator Founder - -Minister of Religion - -Scale-up Worker - -Skilled Worker - -Start-up - -Student - -Temporary Work – International Agreement (private servants in a diplomatic household making applications for entry clearance) +- Health and Care Worker + +- High Potential Individual + +- Innovator Founder + +- Minister of Religion + +- Scale-up Worker + +- Skilled Worker + +- Start-up + +- Student + +- Temporary Work – International Agreement (private servants in a diplomatic household making applications for entry clearance) + @@ -32,17 +35,18 @@ -citizenship - -International Sportsperson - -parent - -partner - -Representative of an Overseas Business - -settlement (also known as indefinite leave to remain) +- citizenship + +- International Sportsperson + +- parent + +- partner + +- Representative of an Overseas Business + +- settlement (also known as indefinite leave to remain) + @@ -57,18 +61,19 @@ ## If you are in the UK + You can only take a SELT with one of the following providers: - +- IELTS SELT Consortium -LANGUAGECERT - -Pearson - -Trinity College London +- LANGUAGECERT + +- Pearson + +- Trinity College London @@ -76,18 +81,19 @@ ## If you are outside of the UK + You can only take a SELT with one of the following providers: - +- IELTS SELT Consortium -LANGUAGECERT - -Pearson - -PSI Services (UK) Ltd +- LANGUAGECERT + +- Pearson + +- PSI Services (UK) Ltd @@ -95,56 +101,65 @@ ## Find an approved test + For your results to be accepted, your test must: -be on the list of approved English language tests - -have been sat at an approved test location - -have been awarded in the two years before the date of your application +- be on the list of approved English language tests + +- have been sat at an approved test location + +- have been awarded in the two years before the date of your application + The list of approved English language tests has been assessed as meeting Home Office requirements under the secure English language testing arrangements. Only those tests and test levels specified are approved. If you intend to use an English language test in your immigration or nationality application, you must take one of the tests on the list. + You should make sure the test that you book is the one approved for SELT: - +- IELTS SELT Consortium: ‘IELTS for UKVI’ or ‘IELTS Life Skills’ -LANGUAGECERT: ‘LANGUAGECERT International ESOL SELT’ or ‘LANGUAGECERT Academic SELT’ or ‘LANGUAGECERT General SELT’ - -Pearson: ‘PTE Academic UKVI’ or ‘PTE Home’ - -PSI Services: ‘Skills for English UKVI’ - -Trinity College London: ‘Secure English Language Tests for UKVI’ – Integrated Skills in English (ISE) or Graded Examinations in Spoken English (GESE) +- LANGUAGECERT: ‘LANGUAGECERT International ESOL SELT’ or ‘LANGUAGECERT Academic SELT’ or ‘LANGUAGECERT General SELT’ + +- Pearson: ‘PTE Academic UKVI’ or ‘PTE Home’ + +- PSI Services: ‘Skills for English UKVI’ + +- Trinity College London: ‘Secure English Language Tests for UKVI’ – Integrated Skills in English (ISE) or Graded Examinations in Spoken English (GESE) + It is for you to decide which test to take. + The list of approved tests gives the CEFR level and minimum grade requirements for each level. + Where 2 or more components (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) of a test are examined and awarded together, you must show that you achieved the required scores in all the relevant components with the same test centre provider as part of the combined test assessment. + In certain circumstances, if you failed one component of the test, you may be allowed to sit that component again. You will need to check the test provider’s terms and conditions before booking a test. ## Changes to LANGUAGECERT SELT from 6 July 2025 + From 6 July 2025 the LANGUAGECERT ESOL SELT 4-skills test was replaced by the LANGUAGECERT Academic SELT and LANGUAGECERT General SELT tests. + If you already held a LANGUAGECERT ESOL SELT 4-skills result this remains valid for 2 years. @@ -152,18 +167,16 @@ - - - - - - - - - - - - + + + + + + + + + + ## @@ -172,15 +185,18 @@ + ODS, 5.14 KB + This file is in an OpenDocument format + This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. @@ -188,7 +204,6 @@ Request an accessible format. - If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email alternativeformats@homeoffice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use. @@ -198,18 +213,16 @@ - - - - - - - - - - - - + + + + + + + + + + ## @@ -218,15 +231,18 @@ + ODS, 5.18 KB + This file is in an OpenDocument format + This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. @@ -234,7 +250,6 @@ Request an accessible format. - If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email alternativeformats@homeoffice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use. @@ -247,28 +262,29 @@ ## Approved test centres + The list of approved test centres has been assessed as meeting Home Office requirements under the secure English language testing arrangements. + More test centres will be added to the list as the new approved provider services become available. + Check the SELT provider’s website to find out when tests are available and to make sure the test centre is open. If you have any questions, use the website. Do not contact the test centre directly. - - - - - - - - - - - - + + + + + + + + + + ## @@ -277,15 +293,18 @@ -ODS, 7.38 KB - - - - + +ODS, 7.37 KB + + + + + This file is in an OpenDocument format + This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. @@ -293,7 +312,6 @@ Request an accessible format. - If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email alternativeformats@homeoffice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use. @@ -303,18 +321,16 @@ - - - - - - - - - - - - + + + + + + + + + + ## @@ -323,15 +339,18 @@ -ODS, 96.4 KB - - - - + +ODS, 96.3 KB + + + + + This file is in an OpenDocument format + This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. @@ -339,7 +358,6 @@ Request an accessible format. - If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email alternativeformats@homeoffice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use. @@ -356,17 +374,18 @@ ## If you are in the UK + To find test dates and book your test, go to the website of the provider offering the test you plan to take: -IELTS SELT Consortium - -LANGUAGECERT - -Pearson - -Trinity College London +- IELTS SELT Consortium + +- LANGUAGECERT + +- Pearson + +- Trinity College London @@ -374,39 +393,43 @@ ## If you are outside of the UK + To find test dates and book your test, go to the website of the provider offering the test you plan to take: -IELTS SELT Consortium - -LANGUAGECERT - -Pearson - -PSI Services (UK) Ltd +- IELTS SELT Consortium + +- LANGUAGECERT + +- Pearson + +- PSI Services (UK) Ltd + You should be able to take a test within 28 days of booking, but it may not always be at the location nearest to you. If there is not an approved test location in your country, you will have to travel to another country to take the test. - - + + If you are booking a test through a third party provider, make sure you check their credentials. This includes confirming: -they are officially recognised by the test provider - -their fees are the same as, or lower than, the price on the test provider’s website - - - +- they are officially recognised by the test provider + +- their fees are the same as, or lower than, the price on the test provider’s website + + + + Be aware that some third party providers may claim to be affiliated with official Home Office partners when they are not. We are committed to helping customers make informed decisions and acknowledge that you may prefer to use a third party. However, we strongly recommend using official channels to avoid the risk of using an unauthorised provider. + The details used to book your test must be the same as on your passport or other identity document. If your surname has changed, you will still need to book the test in the name on your passport or identity document. If you wish to book your test using your changed surname, you must change the name in your passport or identity document before booking your test. @@ -414,29 +437,34 @@ ## Prove your identity on the day of the test + You will need to provide evidence of your identity at the test location before you can take the test. + Your identity document must: -be current and valid, unless you’re using a biometric residence permit or card - your test must be no later than 18 months after the expiry date printed on the card - -be an original, not a photocopy - -include a photo of you - -match the information you gave when you booked the test +- be current and valid, unless you’re using a biometric residence permit or card - your test must be no later than 18 months after the expiry date printed on the card + +- be an original, not a photocopy + +- include a photo of you + +- match the information you gave when you booked the test + If your identity document has a signature, this will also be checked. + The details used to book your test must match the document you provide at the test location. + If you are not able to prove your identity, you will not be allowed to take a test. @@ -444,30 +472,34 @@ ## Acceptable documents + You can use the following documents as identification for tests taken in the UK and outside the UK: -passport - -UK biometric residence permit (BRP) - -UK biometric residence card (BRC) - -convention travel document - -stateless persons travel document +- passport + +- UK biometric residence permit (BRP) + +- UK biometric residence card (BRC) + +- convention travel document + +- stateless persons travel document + You may be able to use an expired BRP or BRC to book a test. Your test must be no later than 18 months after the expiry date printed on the card. You must bring your expired BRP with you on the day of the test. Please refer to your chosen supplier’s website for more information. + You can use the following as identification for tests taken in the UK only: -an eVisa - you’ll need to sign in to your UKVI account and get a share code by selecting ‘to prove your immigration status for anything else’ +- an eVisa - you’ll need to sign in to your UKVI account and get a share code by selecting ‘to prove your immigration status for anything else’ + @@ -475,7 +507,8 @@ -identity cards of EEA nationals +- identity cards of EEA nationals + @@ -484,22 +517,27 @@ -valid photographic government issued identity cards +- valid photographic government issued identity cards + Emergency travel documents will not be accepted as proof of identity. + Your name must be on the document. + Contact the Home Office if you do not have a valid identity document. + If your passport is held by the Home Office and you do not have another valid identity document, you should contact the Home Office to request the return of your passport. + If you have a previous gender (including a different name) that you do not want the test centre staff to see or for it to show on your test result, email sensitivebookings@homeoffice.gov.uk before booking your test. They’ll tell you what you need to do. @@ -507,31 +545,36 @@ ## After the test + After you pass the test, you will be given a SELT unique reference number which you must use when making your application. If you do not include your reference number, your application may be refused. + You will find your SELT unique reference number on your test result as: -‘UER’ for Trinity College London tests - -‘UKVI number’ for IELTS SELT Consortium tests - -‘Candidate URN’ for LANGUAGECERT tests - -‘SELT URN’ for Pearson tests - -‘URN’ for PSI Skills for English tests +- ‘UER’ for Trinity College London tests + +- ‘UKVI number’ for IELTS SELT Consortium tests + +- ‘Candidate URN’ for LANGUAGECERT tests + +- ‘SELT URN’ for Pearson tests + +- ‘URN’ for PSI Skills for English tests + You do not need to submit any documents as part of the immigration or nationality application. Test results and scores are checked using the SELT online verification system provided by each approved SELT test provider using a SELT unique reference number. + If you took a test in the UK, you can use your result for UK and overseas applications. You can also use tests taken overseas for applications made in the UK. + Test results are valid for 2 years from the date the test is awarded. @@ -539,4 +582,5 @@ ## Reasonable adjustments + You can make special requests when you book your test if, for example, you have a disability and need extra equipment or help accessing the test location.